Global Release Liner Market Grows Steadily at a CAGR of 6.12%

Introduction

The global release liners market is witnessing steady growth, driven by the surging demand across various sectors, including packaging, electronics, automotive, and healthcare. These liners play a vital role in the application of pressure-sensitive labels, which are extensively used in industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and logistics, particularly as labeling regulations become more stringent. In the automotive and electronics fields, release liners are essential for manufacturing adhesive tapes, die-cut components, and protective films, all of which support complex assembly processes.

Furthermore, the healthcare industry is increasingly relying on release liners for hygiene products, wound care solutions, and transdermal drug delivery systems. With ongoing advancements in end-use industries and a shift toward more advanced adhesive technologies, the need for reliable, high-performance release liners is set to rise, fueling market growth across both developed and developing regions.

Market Dynamics

Growth in e-commerce packaging drives the global market

The swift growth of the e-commerce industry has led to a surge in demand for efficient packaging solutions, particularly pressure-sensitive labels that use release liners. Online retailers rely heavily on strong, tamper-proof, and clearly labeled packaging for shipping and product identification, driving consistent demand for high-performance release liners worldwide.

• According to SellersCommerce, global retail e-commerce sales are on a strong upward trend, expected to hit approximately $6.86 trillion in 2025—an 8.4% increase from $6.33 trillion in 2024. This momentum is projected to continue, with the market likely to exceed $8 trillion by 2027, growing annually at a rate of 7.6% to 7.8%.

As online retail expands, so does the need for reliable packaging materials such as release liners, especially in industries like fashion, electronics, and consumer goods.

Liner recycling & reuse programs create tremendous opportunities

The growing global emphasis on sustainability and minimizing waste is creating valuable opportunities for liner recycling and reuse initiatives. With stricter environmental regulations and a shift toward circular economy practices, companies are introducing innovative methods to manage liner waste efficiently.

• For example, in February 2021, Avery Dennison launched its AD Circular program in Europe, a brand-neutral, end-to-end recycling solution for silicone-coated release liners. The program handles collection, logistics, and regulatory compliance via a digital platform, making the recycling process seamless for businesses. It also offers data on CO₂ emissions reductions and recycling volumes, aiding companies in meeting sustainability targets and improving environmental transparency.

Similar programs are gaining traction worldwide. Businesses that invest in scalable recycling systems and form strategic partnerships with waste recovery providers are well-positioned to succeed in increasingly eco-conscious markets.

Regional Analysis

The Asia Pacific region is emerging as a lucrative market for the release liner industry, driven by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and the expansion of end-use sectors like packaging, healthcare, and electronics. Countries such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea are witnessing heightened demand for pressure-sensitive labels in logistics and retail due to the booming e-commerce sector.

For instance, India's online retail market is expected to surpass $100 billion by 2026, significantly increasing demand for packaging solutions that use release liners. Additionally, the region’s thriving electronics manufacturing hubs, particularly in Taiwan and China, are contributing to increased usage of release liners in adhesive tapes and die-cut components. Moreover, rising environmental awareness is prompting regional manufacturers to develop recyclable and sustainable liner materials, with Japanese firms like Lintec Corporation investing in eco-friendly liner technologies.

Key Highlights

• The global release liner market size was valued at USD 14.19 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow from USD 15.06 billion in 2025 to reach USD 24.22 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.12% during the forecast period (2025–2033).
• The global release liner market can be segmented by material type into silicone-coated and non-silicone-coated liners. The silicone-coated liners segment dominated the market.
• Based on the substrate type, the market is also categorized into paper-based liners and film-based liners.
• By labeling technology, the market is segmented into pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA), glue-applied labels, shrink labels, in-mold labels, and others.
• Based on application, the market is divided into labels, pressure-sensitive tapes, hygiene, industrial, medical, and other applications. The labels segment held the largest market share.
• Asia-Pacific is the highest shareholder in the global market.

Competitive Players

1. 3M Company
2. Mondi Group
3. Loparex LLC
4. UPM-Kymmene Oyj
5. Mactac (LINTEC Corporation)
6. Avery Dennison Corporation
7. Ritrama S.p.A.
8. Gascogne Laminates
9. Siliconature S.p.A.
10. DuPont Teijin Films

Recent Developments

• In April 2025, Elkem ASA’s Silicones division introduced two new products in their SILCOLEASE range specifically designed for release liners. These additions emphasize circular economy and recycled silicone content, targeting labelstock and tape converters focused on sustainability.

Segmentation

1. By Material Type
   1. Silicone-Coated
   2. Non-Silicone-Coated
2. By Substrate Type
   1. Paper-Based Liners
      1. Glassine
      2. Clay Coated Kraft (CCK)
      3. Poly-Coated Kraft (PCK)
   2. Film-Based Liners
      1. Polyethylene (PE)
      2. Polypropylene (PP)
      3. Polyester (PET)
      4. Other Plastics
3. By Labeling Technology
   1. Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives (PSA)
   2. Glue-Applied Labels
   3. Shrink Labels
   4. In-Mold Labels
   5. Others
4. By Application
   1. Labels
   2. Pressure-sensitive Tapes
   3. Hygiene
   4. Industrial
   5. Medical
   6. Other Applications
5. By Region
   1. North America
   2. Europe
   3. APAC
   4. Middle East and Africa
   5. LATAM